How to celebrate Christmas in Egypt: Considering that most Egyptians are Muslims, the festive season in Egypt may be fun for some. But December is the month we all look forward to, and many of us claim to get in the Christmas spirit with great enthusiasm.
At the same time, you want to travel worldwide and learn about its many cultures. Have you ever considered spending holidays and the New Year in Egypt, a country with a completely different culture than yours? You may wonder how Christmas is celebrated in Egypt, and that’s a fair question.
Before planning your trip to Egypt, you must know why people worldwide go there. People from all over the world go to the land of the ancient pharaohs for many different reasons, such as the country’s pleasant climate all year round, its beautiful beaches, the peace of its deserts, and the taste of its traditional food. This event makes me think of a great way to compare Egypt to other countries.
Read this article to learn what people do for Christmas and New Year, whether you are going alone, with a partner, or with your whole family.
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1. Christmas in Egypt History
Some think the Christmas tree and the entire holiday may have come from ancient Egypt. People believe that the Christmas tree comes from the Egyptian tradition of using palm trees with twelve leaves to celebrate the end of the year on the winter solstice. Also, on this day, they celebrated the birth of the sun goddess.
Coptic Christians celebrate Christmas in the blessed month of Kayak. You should not miss this great event if you are in Egypt during this time. Every Saturday, the faithful gather for a special Mass to pray to the sound of beautiful music.
From November 25 to January 6, 43 days before Christmas, people who believe in God follow a special fast, a natural vegetarian diet in which they don’t eat meat or animal products. If you are sick or too weak to celebrate, you can skip Holy Christmas.
Most statistics show that most international visitors to Egypt spend Christmas and New Year’s in the Red Sea in Marsa Alam and Sharm El-Sheikh, where they can relax on the beach and look at the colorful coral reefs below.
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2: Coptic Christmas
For devout Coptic Christians, the month leading up to Christmas (the Kiyakh) is full of rituals. Two of the most important are going to Sunday Mass at dawn (around 5 a.m. local time) and singing hymns of praise on Saturday evenings.
A. Cairo at Christmas
On the Old Cairo Tour, you can spend a day with a guide and learn about the history of the churches in Cairo.
it begin a period of self-discipline called the “Nativity Fast” 45 days before Christmas. During this time, they eat nothing from the animal, including butter. You will most likely talk about discipline, sacrifice, charity, and kindness to others. Discover the most famous sights in Coptic Cairo.
B. Santa Claus and Christmas trees
Santa Claus, or “Baba Noel,” has become familiar in popular culture, especially among Muslim children. This is because he represents the spirit of giving. Baba Noel also brings gifts and can be seen coming in through the window (since there are no chimneys in Egypt).
On January 6th and 7th, kids get small gifts or money to buy chocolate and candy. Downtown streets are lit with Christmas lights and trees, and business districts are decked out for the holidays.
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3: How can you enjoy the Egyptian Christmas holiday?
A. Christmas Celebrating Traditions in Egypt
Christmas in Egypt is like everywhere: delicious food, beautiful decorations, unique traditions, and happy celebrations.
Most Egyptian Christians are part of the Coptic Orthodox Church. During the holiday season, this church has some unique traditions.
They are Orthodox, like most Egyptian Christians, and fast for 45 days from November 25 until the evening of January 6, and this lets them celebrateing Christmas on January 7 instead of December 25. The average person no longer eats meat, poultry, or dairy products.
Every Christian home and church has trees, lights, and small cribs set up in the weeks before Christmas. And on Christmas Eve, everyone dresses up like they’re going to a party and goes to church.
At 11 o’clock, the Pope of the Orthodox Church will start the ceremony at the beautiful St. Mark’s Cathedral in Cairo. Fata is a traditional Christmas lunch eaten after the Christmas ceremony, and it is made of bread, rice, garlic, and cooked pork.
When visiting friends and neighbors, it is common to bring Kahk, a candy Muslims eat on Eid ul-Fitr, the holiday that marks the end of Ramadan’s fasting month.
B. Christmas in Egypt traditions on hotels and Nile Cruises
The Egyptians know how important the holiday season is to tourists. Because of this, some hotels start decorating their insides for Christmas as early as the end of November, with Santa Clauses, reindeer, and lots of bright lights and colors. At other times, animated Santa hats pop up, and music for the holidays plays through the speakers.
There are both real Christmas trees and palm palms that are lit up. à la carte restaurants offer a special Christmas buffet or menu on Christmas Eve, and the holiday decorations stay up until the Coptic Christmas celebration.
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4- New Year’s Eve in Egypt is all you need to know.
Traveling is one of the best ways to enjoy all that the end of the year has to offer. People often take their vacations at the end of the year, and these travelers are more interested in going to places and doing things that aren’t on everyone’s list. Egypt is a popular holiday destination in December. Most trips to Egypt start in Cairo and include Nile River cruises (sailing between Luxor and Aswan ).
December is also a busy month because of Christmas. Many hotels and other tourist spots know that most customers celebrateing Christmas on December 25. Because of this, they plan activities with a Christmas theme for that day. Christmas in Egypt goes from about the middle of December to the beginning of January, so it’s a great place to go if you want a long, relaxing break.
Of course, the country’s postcard wouldn’t be left out. The fireworks reflect off the Giza Pyramids and light them up as the year passes. The best parts of Christmas and New Year’s celebrations occur at special hotel banquets or on River Nile cruises. Several hotels in Egypt also have special New Year’s banquets with performances by well-known artists from the area.
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5: Travel Egypt at Christmas time: Egypt Christmas Holidays All Inclusive
Egypt is getting more and more people from other countries. Egypt is an excellent place with a lot going on all year, so visitors will always have a good time there.
When you go to Upper Egypt, you might tour the temples, a resort on the Red Sea, a big city for shopping and culture, or a lonely spot in the desert.
A.Cairo
The city of millions of people has such famous sights as the Pyramids of Giza, the Citadel of Saladin, and the death mask of Tutankhamun and invites you to go shopping. In the weeks leading up to Christmas, the big malls get a lot of decorations, But Khan El Khalili Market is also an excellent place to look for gifts.
B.Luxor
Above all, high-end hotels and Nile cruises in Upper Egypt organize Christmas parties with menus and dinner deals for their guests. But don’t miss the chance to see the buildings of the pharaohs, such as the Karnak Temple or the Valley of the Kings, when the weather is nice. Book a nice cruise on the Nile between Christmas and New Year.
C.Hurghada
The Red Sea has much to offer visitors, from animators wearing Santa Claus hats to Christmas with bright lights in hotel lobbies to Santa Claus riding camels. The holidays are a great time to dine like a prince at the resorts. The Christmas market with wine and gingerbread is in the El Gouna neighborhood.
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6: How is the Christmas in Egypt weather (Egypt’s weather in December)?
Egypt and the cold weather never seem to go together. But be careful because January can get as cold as -10 degrees Fahrenheit. But only when it’s dark. Bring a warm sweater or jacket in December, January, and February evenings.
The sea is still 20 degrees warmer in winter so that you can swim in it. Even in the shade, the sun can heat the air to at least 23 degrees. This means that in the sun, it can be over 30 degrees, but the wind is calm. But the hotel building primarily blocks the wind on the beach and around the pools.
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7- New Year’s trips to Egypt
Egypt Nile cruises are a popular choice for tourists. Crossing the river and visiting ancient temples is a unique way to spend Christmas. Cruises offer holiday meals, music, decorations, parties, and entertainment at this time of year. The Nile River is also a great place to start the new year on the right foot.
Let’s say you are a traveler who wants to get acquainted with ancient Christian customs. The Santa Catarina Monastery called the Holy Monastery of Mount Sinai, is the best place to go. The Byzantine Emperor Justinian built it in the sixth century, and it is still used today.
The abbey is closed for it and New Year, but you can still visit before or after. You can walk to where Moses got the Ten Commandments while still in Sinai.
This walk has two main paths: the so-called “steps of repentance,” which is an excellent way to come, and the other is more comprehensive and pleasant and can be done on foot or by camel. At the top of the mountain is a small chapel with a panoramic view that will blow your mind.
Egypt is home to many amazing and unique stories. When you visit this beautiful country, you will learn about its rich culture and unique traditions. During Christmas and New Year, Egypt is a great place to stay.
Before going to this beautiful country, especially at it, we must learn about its customs and holidays because we may learn something new. Don’t be afraid to travel to Egypt because the people there are amazing, friendly, and helpful.
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8- Tips for excursions at Christmas time in Egypt
- Especially around Christmas, it’s a good idea to go on trips to see how the Coptic Christians lived.
- Another great thing about Cairo is the rock church, which you can only get to by driving through the “garbage district.” Egyptians who live here sort trash to make a living.
- Since Luxor is always a little warmer, the calmer times are the best times to go there. Now that the weather is nice, you can see the Valley of the Kings, which has no shade.
- In the winter, a trip into the desert by quad or jeep is much more fun than in the summer.
- Winter is also an excellent time to dive, of course. You can dive and snorkel without worrying about anything. The wind looks lovely as soon as you get out of the water. So bring an extra set of clothes with you.
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Fun facts about Christmas in egypt
- Coptic Christmas: In Egypt, Christmas is celebrated on January 7th, following the Coptic Orthodox Christian calendar. This date differs from the December 25th celebration in many other parts of the world.
- Nativity Scene: Egyptians often create beautiful nativity scenes, known as “crèches” or “mangers,” depicting Jesus’s birth. These scenes are displayed in homes and churches.
- Fasting Before the Feast: Coptic typically observe a 43-day fast leading to Christmas. This fasting period involves abstaining from meat, dairy, and other animal products. The fast is broken with a special Christmas meal.
- Christmas Eve Services: One of the most significant traditions is the Midnight Mass on Christmas Eve. Churches are beautifully decorated, and worshippers attend this service, which includes hymns, prayers, and the reading of the nativity story.
- Kahk Cookies: Egyptians prepare special cookies called “kahk” during Christmas. These cookies are often filled with dates, nuts, or figs and are covered with powdered sugar. They are exchanged among family and friends.
- Egyptian Santa Claus: In Egypt, Santa Claus is known as “Baba Noel” or “Papa Noel.” He is often depicted wearing a long blue robe, similar to Egyptians’ traditional clothing.
- Decorations: Egyptians decorate their homes and streets with colorful lights, ornaments, and Christmas trees. While Christmas trees are not native to Egypt, they have become a popular holiday symbol.
- Acts of Kindness: Christmas is a time for acts of kindness and charity. Many Egyptians use this occasion to help those in need by distributing gifts and food to the less fortunate.
- Coptic Music: Traditional Coptic hymns and songs are an integral part of the celebrations in Egypt. These music performances are a blend of religious devotion and cultural heritage.
- Visiting Family and Friends: it is a time for family gatherings and spending quality time with loved ones. Egyptians often travel to be with their extended families during this holiday.
FAQs
How do you say Merry Christmas in Egypt 2023?
People enjoy a special feast that often includes roasted lamb, stuffed pigeon (a delicacy), koshari (a popular Egyptian street food), and a variety of sweet treats like baklava and basbousa. Each family may have its traditional recipes and variations of these dishes.
Christmas traditions for Egypt?
- I was attending a midnight mass at Coptic Orthodox churches.
- Decorating homes with lights and ornaments.
- Sharing meals with family and friends.
- Engaging in acts of charity and kindness, such as donating to those in need.
Why is Egyptian Christmas on January 7th?
Egyptian Christmas, celebrated on January 7th, is based on the Coptic Orthodox Church’s Julian calendar. The Coptic Church observes Christmas on January 7th due to differences between the Julian and Gregorian calendars. Due to the calendar variance, this date is 13 days later than Christmas, celebrated in Western Christianity.
What’s it like in Egypt at Christmas?
In Egypt, Christmas is a significant religious celebration for the Christian community. It’s a time marked with religious services, gatherings, and traditional customs. While it might not be as extensively celebrated as in some other parts of the world, the Coptic Christians in Egypt celebrate it with great spiritual significance.
What are typical Christmas decorations in Egypt?
Common Christmas decorations in Egypt include vibrant lights, Nativity scenes, and traditional Coptic Christian symbols. Homes and churches are adorned with lights, trees, and various decorations resembling the festive spirit.
How is Christmas celebrated in Egypt?
Christmas in Egypt is celebrated with religious services at churches, prayers, family gatherings, and traditional meals. Coptic Christians attend special liturgies, exchange well wishes, and enjoy meals that often include conventional dishes like fata (a bread casserole), meat stews, and desserts like kahk, a sweet biscuit.
When is Christmas celebrated in Egypt?
According to their religious calendar, the Coptic Orthodox Christians in Egypt celebrate Christmas on January 7th.
Conclusion
Traveling for the holidays at the end of the year is a magical experience filled with food, decorations, traditions, festivities, and many other things we can find. You may not think of Christmas in Egypt because most people there are Muslims, but you will find that Egyptians get caught up in the holiday spirit.
You can do many different things. For example, you can take a nice cruise on the Nile and have a great cup of coffee. You can also visit other Egyptian cities such as Alexandria, Luxor, Aswan, Hurghada, Dahab, Sharm El-Sheikh, and Cairo, the country’s capital. You can also shop in Egypt’s largest and most famous supermarkets, especially Sharm El Sheikh and Marsa Alam. You can also visit the Egyptian Museum.
